Oil pollution on Iranian coast: Authorities report affected areas on land and in water

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important sea routes and lies between Iran and Oman. A major oil incident in this area would have immediate consequences for maritime trade, the marine environment, and the neighboring states.

Off the coast of the Iranian island of Qeshm, located near the Strait of Hormuz, ecologically sensitive mangrove and coral reefs have been recorded. Such habitats are particularly sensitive to oil pollution because contaminants accumulate in sediments and organisms.

Impact on ecosystem and fisheries

Fisheries along Iran's southern coast also depend on clean water. In an oil spill, catches can become contaminated, and the economic livelihood of many families in the coastal villages is directly threatened.

Iranian media, including the daily newspaper Etemad, have taken up the situation. Caroline Bezengi, named as the author of the reporting, assessed the reports according to journalistic standards.

Discussion about shadow fleets and responsibility

There is international discussion about the composition of so-called shadow fleets. These are older tankers, often heavily underinsured or uninsured, that sail under changing flags and whose ownership structures are difficult to trace. Russia and other states are repeatedly the subject of reports and expert assessments in this context.

Combating an oil spill in coastal areas requires the deployment of specialized vessels, oil booms, and large numbers of personnel. Iranian authorities announced that they would secure the affected sections and take samples.

Assessing the full extent typically takes weeks, based on experience from previous incidents. Only when the results of the water and soil samples are available can it be estimated how long remediation will take and which fishing areas will need to be temporarily closed.